National Center for Research Resources

Agency: Department of Health and Human ServicesOffice: National Institutes of Health

Program Information

Program Number/Title (010):

93.389 National Center for Research Resources

Popular Name (020):

(DBT, DCRR, DCM, DRI)

Federal Agency (030):

National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services

Authorization (040):

Public Health Service Act, Title III, Section 301, Public Law 78-410, U.S.C 341, 287-288; Small Business Research and Development Enhancement Act of 1992, Public Law 102-564; Public Health Service Act, Title IV, Section 479-480 487, Public Law 99-158.

Objectives (050):

The National Center for Research Resources (NCRR) provides laboratory scientists and clinical researchers with the environments and tools they need to understand, detect, treat, and prevent a wide range of diseases. This support enables discoveries that begin at a molecular and cellular level, move to animal-based studies, and then are translated to patient-oriented clinical research, resulting in cures and treatments for both common and rare diseases. NCRR connects researchers with one another and with patients and communities across the nation to harness the power of shared resources and research.

Types of Assistance (060):

PROJECT GRANTS

Uses and Use Restrictions (070):

The Division of Biomedical Technology supports research, development and access to sophisticated technologies at resource centers nationwide which assist academic, nonprofit organizations in the development, use, and dissemination of innovative technologies useful for the advancement of biomedical science. Awards are provided under a variety of funding mechanisms composed of Biomedical Technology Resource(BTR) grants, Research Project Grants, Shared Instrumentation Grants (SIG), High End Instrumentation (HEI) Program and other mechanisms, such as Exploratory Grants to develop new technologies for biomedical research, Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grants, and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grants. The Division for Clinical Research Resources makes it possible to apply knowledge gained through basic research to the development of lifesaving drugs, devices, and therapies that protect the health of our nation's citizens by providing research infrastructure for clinical investigators. These specialized institutional resources are equipped to be flexible and responsive to changing scientific and economic environments and to unforeseen research challenges. The Division for Clinical Research Resources helps translate scientific knowledge into effective patient care through General Clinical Research Centers (GCRC), Research Career Development (K23, K24), Clinical Research Curriculum Award (CRCA, K30), Cinical Research-related activities, Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grants and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grants; and improves pre-college science education and the public's understanding of science through the Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) Program. Additionally, a new consortium, funded through Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSAs), will transform how clinical and translational research is conducted, ultimately enabling researchers to provide new treatments more efficiently and quickly to patients. The Division of Comparative Medicine supports research and resource projects, as well as centers that enable biomedical scientists to use high quality, disease-free animals effectively in research on human health problems. Support is also available for the development of a wide range of other research models, particularly marine invertebrates and lower vertebrates, and access to an array of important biological materials. These objectives are accomplished through activities of National Primate Research Centers (NPRC), Laboratory Animal Science (LAS), and Biological Models and Materials Research (BMMR). The Division of Research Infrastructure addresses the under representation of minority investigators; enhances the research environment at minority colleges and universities in the health sciences; broadens the geographic distribution of research grant funding to states with historically low NIH success rates; and improves biomedical research facilities through matching grants for construction and renovation. These objectives are accomplished through activities of the Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI) program, the RCMI Clinical Research Infrastructure Initiative (RCRII), and the Institutional Developmental Award (IDeA). The Office of Construction supports the Research Facilities Improvement Program (RFIP) and the Animal Facilities Improvement Program.

Eligibility Requirements (080)

Applicant Eligibility (081):

BTR Grants: Nonprofit health professional schools; other academic institutions; hospitals; State and local health agencies; and research organizations with programs in biomedical technology research located in the United States and its territories. SIG and HEI awards will be made to institutions only, not to individuals. GCRC and CTSA grants: schools, research hospitals, and other institutions capable of carrying out well-designed studies in any preclinical or clinical science involving human beings as research subjects in conjunction with investigators funded through the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other Federal agencies. Research Career Development: Applications may be submitted on behalf of candidates by domestic, nonfederal organizations, public or private institutions of higher education. Clinical Research Scholar Program Award: Applications will be accepted from domestic, nonprofit organizations, public and private institutions of higher education that have strong, well-established clinical research and training program. SEPA: Public and private for-profit and nonprofit institutions and museums. DCM: Institutions of higher education, hospitals, and other institutions and organizations, both nonprofit and for-profit, seeking to establish, continue, or enlarge programs consistent with the objectives of the program. Applicants for NRSA must be citizens of the United States or be admitted to the United States for permanent residency. Applicants must be nominated and sponsored by a public or private nonprofit institution with staff and facilities suitable for the proposed research training. Nonprofit domestic organizations may apply for the institutional NRSA. RCMI: Institutions with more than 50 percent minority enrollment that award an M.D., D.D.S., D.V.M., or other doctoral degree in the health professions and/or a Ph.D. in the health-related sciences. This program is open only to institutions within the United States and its territories. RCRII: RCMI eligible institutions affiliated with medical schools. IDeA: Domestic public and private for profit and nonprofit institutions in States in which the success rate for applications to the NIH has been historically low. RFIP and Animal Facilities Improvement: Except where otherwise prohibited by law, any nonprofit organization competent to carry out biomedical research.

Beneficiary Eligibility (082):

Biomedical investigators at any nonprofit or for-profit organization, company, or institution engaged in biomedical research.

Credentials/Documentation (083):

SIG, HEI: A major user group of three or more investigators should be identified. Each major user must have NIH peer-reviewed research support at the time of the award. The application must show a clear need for the instrumentation by projects supported by multiple NIH research awards and demonstrate that these projects will require at least 75 percent of the total usage of the instrument. Applications for NRSA must be citizens of the United States or be admitted to the United States for permanent residency. Applicants must be nominated and sponsored by a public or private nonprofit institution with staff and facilities suitable for the proposed research training. Nonprofit domestic organizations may apply for the institution NRSA. RCMI, RCRII, and CCRE: Applicants must certify eligibility (see Applicant Eligibility requirements). IDeA, and Animal Facilities Improvement: None. RFIP: Application should include a complete research program description (with staff curricula vitae), space requirements for projected program, an environmental summary of the impact of the proposed facility as detailed in Public Law 90-190, The National Environmental Policy Act, and listing of all relevant licenses, permits or other approvals required by State and local authorities. Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular Nos. A-122, "Cost Principles for Nonprofit Organizations," and in the case of SIG & HEI No. A-87 for State and local governments or A-21 for Educational Institutions, and HHS Regulations 45 CFR, Part 74, Subpart Q. OMB Circular No. A-87 applies to this program.

Application and Award Process (090)

Preapplication Coordination (091):

Preapplication coordination is required. Environmental impact information is not required for this program. This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.

Application Procedures (092):

This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-102. OMB Circular No. A-110 applies to this program. Application forms may be obtained from the Division of Extramural Outreach and Information, 6701 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7910, Bethesda, MD 20892-7910. Telephone (301) 435-0714, e-mail: ASKNIH@odrockml.od.nih.gov . Completed applications should be submitted to the Center for Scientific Review, 6701 Rockledge Drive, MSC 7710, Bethesda, MD 20892-7710. The standard application forms PHS 398, (Rev. November 1998), as furnished by PHS and required by 45 CFR, Part 92, and OMB Circular No. A-110 must be used for all programs. For filing NRSA individual fellowship award applications, Form 416-1 (Rev. October 1991) is needed. CTSA: Special instructions for preparing applications should be requested from the Division for Clinical Research Resources, One Democracy Plaza, 6701 Democracy Blvd., National Center for Research Resources, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-4874. RFIP: Construction applications are to be submitted on a Standard Form 424, Application for Federal Assistance.

Award Procedure (093):

The initial review of applications from eligible investigators and institutions is reviewed by committees comprised of authorities in various fields of biomedical research and science education, as appropriate. Each application is given a peer evaluation for merit, and recommendations are forwarded to the National Advisory Research Resources Council for final review and recommendation.

Deadlines (094):

Contact the headquarters or regional office, as appropriate, for application deadlines.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time (095):

> 180 Days.

Appeals (096):

A principal investigator (P.I.) may question the substantive or procedural aspects of the review of their application by communicating with the NCRR staff. A description of the NIH Peer Review Appeal procedures is available on the NIH home page www.nih.gov/grants/guide/1997/97.11.21/n2.html .

This program has no statutory formula.
This program has no matching requirements.
This program does not have MOE requirements.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance (102):

All programs except for RFIP: 1 to 5 years. An Electronic Transfer System is used for transferring funds. RFIP: Construction must be completed within the time specified in grant award. The initial budget period is usually 2 years in length, although extensions may be requested. All funds must be obligated within 5 years from the date of award. See the following for information on how assistance is awarded/released: All programs except for RFIP: 1 to 5 years. An Electronic Transfer System is used for transferring funds. RFIP: Construction must be completed within the time specified in grant award. The initial budget period is usually 2 years in length, although extensions may be requested. All funds must be obligated within 5 years from the date of award.

Post Assistance Requirements (110)

Reports (111):

No program reports are required. No cash reports are required. Annual progress and financial status reports are required for all grants. Final performance and financial reports are required 90 days following the end of the project period. Reports are required after termination of NRSA to ascertain compliance with the service and payback provisions. RFIP: The grantee is responsible for performance of the contractor. The contractor must be covered by performance and payment bonds. Annual progress and financial status reports are required for all grants. Final performance and financial reports are required 90 days following the end of the project period. Reports are required after termination of NRSA to ascertain compliance with the service and payback provisions. RFIP: The grantee is responsible for performance of the contractor. The contractor must be covered by performance and payment bonds. No performance monitoring is required.

Audits (112):

In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 27, 2003), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $500,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.

Records (113):

Grantees generally must retain financial and programmatic records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other records that are required by the terms of a grant, or may reasonably be considered pertinent to a grant, for a period of 3 years from the date the annual FSR is submitted. For awards under SNAP (other than those to foreign organizations and Federal institutions), the 3-year retention period will be calculated from the date the FSR for the entire competitive segment is submitted. Those grantees must retain the records pertinent to the entire competitive segment for 3 years from the date the FSR is submitted to NIH. Foreign organizations and Federal institutions must retain records for 3 years from the date of submission of the annual FSR to NIH. See 45 CFR 74.53 and 92.42 for exceptions and qualifications to the 3-year retention requirement (e.g., if any litigation, claim, financial management review, or audit is started before the expiration of the 3-year period, the records must be retained until all litigation, claims, or audit findings involving the records have been resolved and final action taken). Those sections also specify the retention period for other types of grant-related records, including F&A cost proposals and property records. See 45 CFR 74.48 and 92.36 for record retention and access requirements for contracts under grants. In accordance with 45 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 74.53(e), the HHS Inspector General, the U.S. Comptroller General, or any of their duly authorized representatives have the right of timely and unrestricted access to any books, documents, papers, or other records of recipients that are pertinent to awards in order to make audits, examinations, excerpts, transcripts, and copies of such documents. This right also includes timely and reasonable access to a recipientís personnel for the purpose of interview and discussion related to such documents. The rights of access are not limited to the required retention period, but shall last as long as records are retained.

The major elements in evaluating proposals include assessments of: (1) The scientific merit and general significance of the proposed study and its objectives; (2) the technical adequacy of the experimental design and approach; (3) the competency of the proposed investigator or group to successfully pursue the project; (4) the adequacy of the available and proposed facilities and resources; (5) the necessity of the budget components requested in relation to the proposed project; and (6) the relevance and importance to announced program objectives. RFIP: Factors considered in making awards include the merit of the proposal, the needs of the institution, with special consideration for institutions designated as centers of excellence, the commitment of the institution, the availability of funds, and the overall program priorities.